Q: My 33-month-old child has frequent fevers and their aPTT blood test result is 62.0. Is this normal?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My 33-month-old child has been having frequent fevers, so we ran some blood tests, including a blood coagulation panel. The results showed an aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) level of 62.0. Is this something I should be worried about?
Answer:
I understand your concern regarding your child's aPTT level of 62.0 seconds, especially since the test was prompted by frequent fevers.
Generally, the normal aPTT range for children is between 25 and 35 seconds (though this can vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory). A result of 62.0 seconds is considered prolonged compared to the normal range.
There are several potential reasons for a prolonged aPTT result:
Specimen collection issues: This is the most common cause in young children. If the blood draw was difficult or took a little longer than usual, it can artificially alter the results.
Temporary coagulation factor deficiency: This can sometimes occur when the body is dealing with an active infection or inflammation.
Vitamin K deficiency.
Congenital coagulation disorders: These are rare but need to be properly ruled out.
At home, you should monitor whether your child experiences frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, bruises easily, or bleeds for an extended time from minor cuts. A medical professional will also want to know if there is any family history of bleeding disorders.
Because the initial test can sometimes be inaccurate due to blood collection difficulties, please consult your attending physician to discuss these results. They can determine if a retest is necessary, whether additional coagulation tests are needed, and if this finding is connected to the frequent fevers.
If your child does not have any active bleeding symptoms, this is not an immediate emergency. However, determining the exact cause is very important, so please follow up with your pediatrician for an in-person evaluation.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
